Therapists for college students near Los Angeles, CA

Hey! I’m Afshin — pronounced “of-sheen,” like the glimmer in your eye when you realize you're allowed to feel your feelings and still be funny about it. Looking for someone who’s real, queer, neurodivergent-friendly, and actually shows up in the room with you? I’m really glad you’re here. I work with new parents running on crumbs and caffeine, teens navigating identity and pressure, young adults facing messy transitions, and LGBTQIA+ folks tired of translating their experience for people who just don’t get it. I pull from Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic, DBT, CBT, and Solution-Focused approaches — but mostly, I bring curiosity, honesty, humor, and a human-first vibe. I don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all” healing. Some weeks we’re untangling trauma; other weeks, we’re celebrating tiny wins — like eating a real meal or setting a boundary without the shame. My core values? Radical kindness, transparency, and the belief that being “too much” is a damn superpower. If you’re craving therapy that feels like a mix between a grounding conversation and a gentle push toward who you actually want to be — let’s talk. I’m here when you’re ready.

I specialize in supporting college students who feel overwhelmed by the challenges of campus life—from managing academic pressure and navigating new social environments to handling personal transitions and stress. I understand that many students share common experiences such as balancing coursework, part-time work, and relationships, while also grappling with uncertainty about the future. Who I Help My approach works best for students who: Feel anxious about their studies or future career choices. Struggle with balancing social life, academics, and personal well-being. Are navigating significant life transitions (e.g., moving away from home, starting new relationships). Need a supportive, non-judgmental space to talk through their challenges. How I Work I use clear, everyday language to explain ideas and strategies—no confusing jargon here. Whether you're dealing with stress, low self-esteem, or just need someone to listen, my goal is to help you understand your situation better and build practical steps toward a healthier, more balanced life. Why This Might Be Right for You If you’re a student looking for a compassionate professional who understands the unique pressures of campus life, we might be a great fit. I’m here to help you explore your feelings, develop strategies to manage stress, and set you on a path toward personal growth and success.

My interest in mental health began from a desire to understand how our experiences shape who we are. This curiosity grew into a passion for helping others explore these influences, gain deeper insight, and create healthier ways of relating to themselves and the people around them. The more we understand ourselves, the more we can understand others. Whether you’re coming to therapy during a difficult time or seeking support for accountability and personal growth, what matters most is simply showing up for yourself. That act of showing up can be one of the hardest things we do. Yet it is also essential, not only for your own well-being, but for your ability to show up more fully for the people and things you care about. I view therapy as an act of kindness toward yourself, an intentional pause to check in, look inward, and take meaningful steps toward becoming your best self. Over time, this process can create a ripple effect of growth, both within yourself and across all areas of your life.

As a young therapist, I bring both professional expertise and personal insight into the intricate dynamics of college life. Having navigated the complexities of college myself, I comprehend the intricate tapestry of pressures, relationship dynamics, substance use concerns, and the myriad challenges that accompany this transformative period. I'm not just a therapist; I'm a compassionate guide committed to your well-being. I’ve been through the complexities of college life and I understand the pressures, relationship dynamics, potential substance use concerns and the different challenges that come with this transformative period in your life. From the outside looking in, parents don’t always understand the challenges that come with college life, and I want to be that supportive other to help you get through it. Therapy is a sacred space and my focus is helping you get to the root cause of your struggles. I find that healthy relationships are the key for psychological, physical, and spiritual health. I provide awareness into your behaviors, and the ability to see the underlying issues of why you're unsatisfied with your life. If you're having difficulty regulating your emotions when it comes to romantic relationships, or feel that you find yourself in the same relationship again and again, then you have come to the right place. I will help you get to the core of these issues, and find yourself content with your personal relationships. I create space and offer insight into your behaviors, and together, will teach you about repetition compulsion. You will feel that you have control of your emotions, over codependency, and be free of addictive behaviors. You can heal. I am not the type of therapist that will sit back and just listen, I truly want to help you turn over your pain and be free. I offer a strong, empathetic approach, and teach my clients how to feel confident within themselves. You will receive guidance from me. We will be engaging in dialogue. I am direct but compassionate, and want to teach you how to be direct and vulnerable too. You will leave each session gaining insight into your behaviors. You will challenged and supported.

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My clients enjoy the warm rapport they have with me. I approach each client from a unique perspective as each client is unique. I collaborate with them to understand their needs and goals, and from there I create a treatment plan that is special for them. I believe that each client has a story that can be retold in a new way, and a story that is still being written, so the middle and ending can change as the client transforms. The approaches I use are a blend of cognitive-behavioral, narrative and humanistic, as well as various techniques from other theories (as appropriate for the client). The first step towards healing and living a fulfilling and enriching life is to reach out to those who can support you, and I'm always honored to provide that support to my clients. I want my clients acquire practical tools to use in between sessions so they can learn to become their own healer with time. If you feel like I could be the person to help you, please don't hesitate to contact me. Throughout my career, I've worked in different settings with many populations, including providing treatment to clients with depression, anxiety, addiction, Autism and other developmental disorders, relationship and family issues, issues of confidence, self-esteem and motivation, and I specialize in working with clients that are looking to find their path and purpose in life. In addition to being an MFT, I'm a certified yoga teacher and I promote an overall program of wellness through mental, physical & spiritual health and nutrition. Together, my clients and I create magic!

I have been in practice for over 16 years. I utilize CBT, ACT, Solution Focused and attachment theory. I work well with anxiety, grief and loss, phase of life issues. I also specialize on race and cultural identity, immigration, and first-generational issues. My approach is empathetic, honest and direct. I offer assistance with life transitions, grief, confidence, goal setting and achievement. By viewing your situation through a trauma informed and culturally competent lens, we will build strategies to overcome obstacles. I am very familiar with the cultural and sociological challenges that can consume our daily lives. I am familiar with the stigma attached to therapy and the perception of weakness that can be associated with seeking treatment. In reality, true strength comes from the ability to recognize and acknowledge you need help.

Therapy offers a confidential place of refuge where you can be seen and heard. Together we will explore how daily external pressures and feelings of self-blame, self-criticism, fear or sadness, as well as loss and past trauma, may be affecting your ability to move forward or express yourself in an authentic way. By devoting time and attention to understanding your unique story and the ways in which past relationships shape current ones, you can gain greater self-awareness and an understanding of how underlying feelings and thoughts are affecting your mood. In building a strong, supportive relationship I will help you uncover core issues. I primarily use a psychodynamic, creative approach to guide my clients towards greater self-compassion and clarity that will allow you to feel more confident in your ability to change and heal.

Hi! I'm Alex Cedas, and I am a Latino therapist who is deeply passionate about helping people feel seen, supported, and understood. I specialize in working with individuals navigating major life changes—whether it's processing grief, healing from trauma, or building self-esteem and confidence. With a focus on improving communication, self-advocacy, and emotional awareness, I support my clients in developing practical tools to manage symptoms and create meaningful change. My approach is warm, affirming, and collaborative—providing a safe space to explore feelings of overwhelm, disconnection, or uncertainty about the future.

Hi! I’m Jada Thompson, a Licensed Couple and Family Therapist. I am a proud second-generation Mexican American, born and raised in the Big Sky State of Montana. I moved to the Los Angeles area over ten years ago to feed my sense of exploration and reconnect with my family, culture, and self. My early life experiences, including the sudden death of my mother during childhood, have shaped me into the person I am today and fueled my drive to pursue a career in mental health. I graduated from Alliant International University in Los Angeles with a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. While working in community mental health, I continued to grow in my work with children, adolescents, adults, and families. I offer individuals a compassionate space to explore identity, relationships, and life transitions with curiosity and respect. Whether facing cultural or religious trauma, rejection, or the pain of not feeling fully seen, we work together to uncover the roots of struggle and build tools for greater freedom, resilience, and fulfillment in the present.

Do you feel like something is wrong with you? Are you wishing you could just "stop"? Do you always feel like adults don't understand? My practice is based around what happened to us, not what is wrong with us. My goal is to create a safe, collaborative, interactive and fun space where you feel understood, empowered, and equipped with practical tools to meet your goals. Together we will learn, build on your strengths, and celebrate your wins. I am here to support & guide you through this process, together.

Hi, I’m a California-licensed LCSW providing therapy exclusively via telehealth. I support college students navigating stress, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions, helping you build resilience and practical coping skills. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounding. I see therapy as a partnership where we explore patterns, process past experiences, and reconnect with your authentic self. I am trained in EMDR and integrate trauma-informed approaches to guide our work together.

Hi I'm Sara a LCSW in both CA and CT. I became a therapist because of a genuine desire to help others thrive. I believe that therapy should feel like a safe and supportive space—one where you can show up exactly as you are, without judgment. My goal is to motivate you towards the changes and self-discovery that you want for your life while also gaining a deeper understanding of self.

A lot of the students I work with are used to being the “responsible one”—the one who gets things done, shows up, and keeps it all together. But underneath that, there’s often a lot of pressure, overthinking, and a quiet feeling of “am I actually doing this right?” You might replay conversations in your head, feel torn between what you want and what’s expected of you, or notice it’s hard to relax without feeling guilty. Relationships can feel confusing too—wanting to be close, but also not wanting to be too much or not enough. If you grew up balancing different worlds, cultures, or expectations, you might not even be sure what your voice sounds like yet. In our work together, we make space to sort through all of that—so you can feel more like yourself, trust your decisions, and stop living on autopilot.

I work mainly with individuals. Due to coronavirus concerns, I’m now available only for online (telehealth) sessions. In our sessions, we address such questions as: Are you having difficulties in your relationships? Do you experience anxiety or depression? Do you just want to feel better about yourself and reach your full potential? In addition, I specialize in helping creative and LGB people. Are you a creative person: Dealing with very high standards for yourself, so that only “perfection” is good enough? Do you have doubts about your own self-worth? Do you have a hard time dealing with: rejection the ups and downs of the creative process the task of constantly having to find new jobs? I help creative people to: Recognize that being creative is HARD!! Strive for excellence, not “perfection“ Become more patient with themselves Stop listening to internal, negative voices! Are you a Lesbian, gay, or bisexual who: struggles with coming out doubts your own self-worth judges yourself negatively has difficulty with society’s prejudice and discrimination I help LGB people to: be PROUD of who they are empower themselves embrace their positive qualities and achievements

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If you want to learn skills to cope with anxiety and depression, then this is the place for you. I specialize in supporting young adults navigate the complex layers of generational trauma. I use a client-center approach and when appropriate, we’ll incorporate holistic practices or collaborate with other health professionals like doctors and nutritionists. By integrating therapeutic techniques, I aim to help balance the weight of your cultural heritage with the demands of a new world; honoring your past while building your future.

Combining the imagination of a poet with the skills of a psychologist, Dr. Owen (she/her) is an engaged and active listener. She sees the goal of therapy as helping students reduce current distress, resolve symptoms, and enhance their sense of passion and purpose. Dr. Owen uses insight-oriented and existential perspectives to deepen conversations, including informed consideration of family, societal, racial, gender/sexual orientation, and cultural dynamics that may be impacting you. This approach helps provide a through-line of inquiry across sessions. To help people start feeling better in the short-term, Dr. Owen uses the skill-sets of cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-informed practice, mindfulness, and somatic work to address things impacting your ability to function in school and to work toward feeling better day to Dr. Owen is a secular therapist who also specializes in working with exvangelicals—people who have grown up in or left fundamentalist religious churches or spiritual groups—as well as anyone who is on a path of deconstruction, i.e., deeply examining their religious/spiritual beliefs or faith. Dr. Owen has been in academia herself, having worked at a community college, a state university, and a small, highly selective liberal arts college, so she understands things unique to academia you may be struggling with. Common issues include navigating political issues with graduate students, undergrad challenges such as choosing a major and dating, worries about career, and working through cultural and identity issues. For students residing in Hawai’i, Dr. Owen is able to accept HMSA insurance.

Navigating college life isn’t easy—and you don’t have to do it alone. At Resilient Heart Therapy, we support college students through the stress, uncertainty, and transitions that come with academic life. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, burnout, relationship challenges, identity questions, or the impact of past trauma, we’re here to help. Our online therapy services are designed to be flexible and accessible, so you can get the support you need—whether you’re on campus, back home, or somewhere in between. Many of our clients are young adults navigating perfectionism, self-esteem, social pressure, and big life decisions. We offer a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can explore what’s weighing on you and gain tools to cope, grow, and thrive. You're juggling a lot. Therapy shouldn’t be another source of stress. Let’s talk about what you’re going through and how we can help you feel more grounded, confident, and connected.

If your life had a resumé, “chameleon” would be at the top. You’re so good at figuring out others’ needs, they’d never suspect that you have them too. If you were honest with yourself, though, you’d admit how stressful it is to live for other people. You’re terrified you’ll lose relationships if you speak up or say no. Your energy is drained or you feel resentful. You’re exhausted from wondering if others like you or approve of you. If you make choices that disappoint others, you feel guilty and selfish. Your whole identity is about pleasing others, & you want to feel comfortable being your authentic self, but you have no idea how. If this sounds like you, I’ve got you! We’ll shift your story so you'll see your sensitivity to others as a strength. You’ll be a boundaries badass who feels confident with your decisions. You’ll take your perfectionism head on and feel able to live in the present. And you’ll have action steps that feel good, because they’re finally in line with YOUR goals. I specialize in treating Highly Sensitive People and recovering perfectionists & people-pleasers. I see clients online through a convenient video platform, so that therapy can work seamlessly with your busy life. Contact me for a free 20-minute consultation to determine if I’m the right therapist for you! I look forward to speaking with you!